Slain Denville teacher went through a bitter divorce, records show

DENVILLE — Judith Novellino, who was found stabbed to death at her Denville home on Saturday, had just recently completed an acrimonious divorce from her husband Anthony Novellino, who is now being sought as a "person of interest" in connection with her slaying.

Judith Novellino, 62, accused her husband of being verbally abusive, controlling and said that by the end of her 37-year marriage she feared for her safety, according to divorce documents.

"(He) will stop at nothing to hurt me and make my life difficult," Novellino said, according to divorce papers.

Citing "irreconcilable differences," Novellino, a teacher at Morris Catholic High School, moved out of her Denville home during the divorce proceedings.

Novellino claimed that two family members, who are psychologists, had warned her to be careful of her husband.

"They have both warned me he is potentially dangerous," Novellino said. "They have urged me to move away from him as soon as possible."

Police said Anthony Novellino was last seen driving a 1992 black convertible Mazda Miata. The prosecutor said anyone who spots Anthony Novellino should call "911," and that he "should not be approached."